This Easter — domestic goddess

Seeing the land of Israel with my own eyes last October, makes this Easter different for me. I'd heard lots of people say that when you actually walk on the ground where all these Biblical events took place, the Bible comes to life for you. I understand now the feeling they were trying to articulate. The reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection certainly does not need my stamp of approval, my saying that "yes, I've seen that and been there." It has changed me, however, and I feel it as we walk through this Easter week.

Standing in the synagogue in the seaport town of Capernaum, Peter's home town and the place Jesus spent much of his time, and most assuredly taught while sitting or standing in this very room.

Contemplative by the Sea of Galilee. The history here was palpable.

Communion and heartfelt conversation with our dear friend and pastor.

Walking through an olive grove along the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum, just like Jesus and his disciples would have regularly done. The Sermon on the Mount took place near by.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"

The Western Wall in the old city of Jerusalem, the last remnant of the temple.

The site of the pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the invalid man on the Sabbath.

Continued archeological work in old Jerusalem.

With our friends in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Some of the old, gnarled, olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane date back to the time of Christ. He could have been praying beneath one of these the night He was betrayed: "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."

Skull Hill or Calvary, just outside the city wall, a possible site of the crucifixion. The rock formations give the appearance of a skull, with eye sockets. Traditionally, the site of the death and burial of Jesus was thought to be where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now stands. This is in the middle of the old city and according to Jewish law, no executions or burials could take place within the city walls. However, there is debate where the city wall coursed its path in 33AD, and perhaps, at that time, that area was actually outside the wall.

Personally, the Garden Tomb was the most meaningful site we visited. Located near Skull Hill, this tomb and surrounding garden was excavated in the late nineteenth century, providing a possible alternative site for the tomb, besides the traditional place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The gospels say that Joseph of Arimathea asked for Jesus' body and buried him in his own tomb, cut in stone. John says, "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid." Discrepancy of actual sites does not negate the reality of what happened.

We spent some hours in the garden, looking into the tomb, imagining the scene when Jesus' followers discovered that the huge, heavy stone was rolled to the side and that the tomb was actually empty. Our time there was so worshipful and you could feel the presence of God! I know that I did not need to walk in Jerusalem to validate my faith, but it was a sweet gift that I will treasure always in my heart. Perhaps that is a misnomer, as we were reminded recently at the funeral of a dear Christian friend; Suzy no longer has faith. It is not necessary when you are standing in the presence of the object of that faith. You no longer hope or believe: you are face to face with God. That is more than my simple mind can grasp!

This week, I've been listening to Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris' powerful rendition of the Easter anthem, "I've Just Seen Jesus." It echoes what is in my heart: